Understanding Mosquito Bites
What is it? Mosquito bites are small, red, itchy bumps caused by mosquito saliva. In kids, bites can look larger—sometimes like hives—and may swell, especially on the face.
What to Watch For
Common Symptoms
- Red, itchy bump (often < 0.5 inches, but can be 2–4 inches)
- Swelling (especially near eyes/ears)
- Itching
- Mild pain or tenderness
📍 Red Flags – Signs of Infection
- Spreading redness
- Yellow crust or pus
- Warmth, increasing pain
- Fever >100.4°F
- Not improving by Day 5–7
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's mosquito bites at home when:
- Mild swelling and itching
- Bites that are not spreading or oozing
- Child is otherwise well
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for mosquito bites:
- Non-Medicated Relief
🔹 Bug Bite Thing suction tool (safe for all ages, avoid face/groin) – follow directions carefully - Medicated Relief
🔹 1% Hydrocortisone cream – apply 3x/day for itching
🔹 Zyrtec (cetirizine) – for severe itching (>6 months old)
🔹 Antibiotic ointment – if scabbed and possibly infected
➤ Clean area first; apply 3x/day and cover with bandage
What to Expect
- Itching: 3–4 days
- Redness: 3–4 days
- Swelling: up to 7 days
- Facial swelling? Harmless. Often worse in the morning
Prevention Tips
- 👶 Under 6 months: No repellents. Use nets and long clothing.
- 👧 6 mos–2 yrs: 10% DEET (avoid hands), no oral meds unless advised
- 🧒 2+ yrs: OK to use 30% DEET; use on exposed skin only
- 👕 Permethrin (e.g., Duranon): Use on clothing, not skin
- 🧢 Long sleeves, pants, hats help protect exposed areas
More on repellents
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- Bite looks infected
- Symptoms worsen or don’t improve in 5–7 days
- Severe facial swelling or concerning symptoms
- You need help managing itching or swelling
📅 We’ll check in via text 24 hrs after your visit
📄 Full care summary will be sent after your appointment
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
🩺 Go to an in-person appointment when:
When to Go to the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Spreading redness despite treatment
- Severe allergic reaction
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
